Ultrashort-acting opioids for transdermal application

ABSTRACT

The subject invention concerns novel analogs of fentanyl opioids. The subject invention also concerns methods for synthesizing the compounds of the invention. The invention also concerns methods for treating pain in a patient by administering a compound of the invention to a person in need of such treatment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/281,080, filed Apr. 3, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic that is roughly one-hundred foldmore potent than morphine. Chemically, it is a 1,4-disubstitutedpiperidine molecule with agonist properties at the μ-opioid receptor.This type of receptor is found in the brain as well as in variousperipheral tissues and in the spinal chord. A transdermal deliverysystem for fentanyl has been described. This system delivers fentanyl atrates between 25 and 100 μg/hour. Due to severe side effects, thefentanyl transdermal system described in the art is indicated only inthe management of chronic pain in patients requiring continuous opioidanalgesia for pain that cannot be managed by lesser means. Becauseserious or life-threatening hypoventilation could occur, the use offentanyl transdermal treatment is strongly contraindicated in childrenyounger than 12 years of age, in the management of acute orpost-operative pain, including use in outpatient surgery, and in generalin any situation where pain can be managed by non-opioid therapy.

[0003] The development of a short-acting transdermal fentanyl analogsystem would be of great value. A soft fentanyl analog has beendescribed in the art. Remifentanyl (Ultiva®) is marketed by GlaxoWellcome as an ultrashort acting opioid for intravenous analgesia inanaesthetic cocktails. Due to its high degree of efficiency againstextreme pain, a safe soft analog of fentanyl could be used in cases ofpain management that are not presently suitable for the current opioidtherapy.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The subject invention provides novel analogs of fentanyl opioids.The subject invention also provides methods for synthesizing thecompounds of the invention. The invention also concerns methods fortreating pain in a patient by administering a compound of the inventionto a person in need of such treatment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 shows certain opioid analgesics that are marketed in theUnited States.

[0006]FIG. 2 shows several potential sites for modification of opioidcompounds according to the subject invention.

[0007] FIGS. 3-8 show compounds of the subject invention.

[0008]FIG. 9 shows that a positive charge can be introduced on thepiperidine nitrogen.

[0009]FIG. 10 shows that the positive charge can be reversible.

[0010]FIG. 11 shows that the positive charge can be permanent.

[0011]FIG. 12 shows a synthetic scheme.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The subject invention provides novel analogs of fentanyl opioids.Preferably, the opioid analog can be deactivated by hydrolytic enzymesto a primary inactive metabolite. In exemplified embodiments, thepiperidine nitrogen or the 4-position of the piperidine ring ismodified. Optionally, a positive charge can be introduced on thepiperidine nitrogen. Compounds of the present invention can beadvantageously used to treat patients suffering from extreme cases ofpain that cannot be safely treated using present opioid therapeutics.

[0013] The subject invention also concerns methods for synthesizing thecompounds of the invention. The chemical structure of the piperidinebackbone of the molecule lends itself to the introduction of a positivecharge. This positive charge can be made permanent or can be madereversible (prodrug approach). A permanent positive charge affords theadvantage that the molecule does not have any central effect, thereforeavoiding the risks of hypoventilation regardless of metabolic rate.Alternatively, a reversible positive charge allows for transdermaldelivery by iontophoresis of a potent soft fentanyl analog with a shortduration of action. By appropriately selecting the half-life of the softfentanyl analog, it is possible to match the delivery rate of the drugwith its clearance rate, thereby minimizing and controlling undesiredside effects associated with the drug.

[0014] Fentanyl, alfentanyl, sufentanyl, and remifentanil are opioidanalgesics that are marketed in the United States (FIG. 1). As shown inFIG. 2, the opioid molecule has several potential sites (indicated byarrows) where soft chemistry can be applied according to the subjectinvention to modify the molecule. These sites are either on thepiperidine nitrogen, or at the 4-position of the piperidine ring. Thereare at least six (6) different retrometabolic approaches leading to asoft opioid molecule, i. e., an active molecule having opioid propertiesand which is deactivated by hydrolytic enzymes to a primary inactivemetabolite. These approaches are described in FIGS. 3-8. A positivecharge can be introduced on the piperidine nitrogen (FIG. 9). Thischarge makes possible delivery by iontopheresis. The charge can bereversible (FIG. 10) or can be permanent (FIG. 11). A synthetic schemefor these molecules is described in FIG. 12. The groups designated X, Y,and Z in these figures are defined in accordance with the specificcompounds exemplified herein.

[0015] Reference herein to alkyl includes C₁₋₈ straight or branchedalkyl groups.

[0016] Adverse drug-drug interactions (DDI), elevation of liver functiontest (LFT) values, and QT prolongation leading to torsades de pointes(TDP) are three major reasons why drug candidates fail to obtain FDAapproval. All these causes are, to some extent metabolism-based. A drugthat has two metabolic pathways, one oxidative and one non-oxidative,built into its structure is highly desirable in the pharmaceuticalindustry. An alternate, non-oxidative metabolic pathway provides thetreated subject with an alternative drug detoxification pathway (anescape route) when one of the oxidative metabolic pathways becomessaturated or non-functional. While a dual metabolic pathway is necessaryin order to provide an escape metabolic route, other features are neededto obtain drugs that are safe regarding DDI, TDP, and LFT elevations.

[0017] In addition to having two metabolic pathways, the drug shouldhave a rapid metabolic clearance (short metabolic half-life) so thatblood levels of unbound drug do not rise to dangerous levels in cases ofDDI at the protein level. Also, if the metabolic half-life of the drugis too long, then the CYP450 system again becomes the main eliminationpathway, thus defeating the original purpose of the design. In order toavoid high peak concentrations and rapidly declining blood levels whenadministered, such a drug should also be administered using a deliverysystem that produces constant and controllable blood levels over time.

[0018] The compounds of this invention have one or more of the followingcharacteristics or properties:

[0019] 1. Compounds of the invention are metabolized both by CYP450 andby a non-oxidative metabolic enzyme or system of enzymes;

[0020] 2. Compounds of the invention have a short (up to four (4) hours)non-oxidative metabolic half-life;

[0021] 3. Oral bioavailability of the compounds is consistent with oraladministration using standard pharmaceutical oral formulations; however,the compounds, and compositions thereof, can also be administered usingany delivery system that produces constant and controllable blood levelsover time;

[0022] 4. Compounds according to the invention contain a hydrolysablebond that can be cleaved non-oxidatively by hydrolytic enzymes;

[0023] 5. Compounds of the invention can be made using standardtechniques of small-scale and large-scale chemical synthesis;

[0024] 6. The primary metabolites of compounds of this invention resultsfrom the non-oxidative metabolism of the compounds;

[0025] 7. The primary metabolites, regardless of the solubilityproperties of the parent drug, is, or are, soluble in water atphysiological pH and have, as compared to the parent compound, asignificantly reduced pharmacological activity;

[0026] 8. The primary metabolites, regardless of theelectrophysiological properties of the parent drug, has, or have,negligible inhibitory activity at the IK_(R) (HERG) channel at normaltherapeutic concentration of the parent drug in plasma (e.g., theconcentration of the metabolite must be at least five times higher thanthe normal therapeutic concentration of the parent compound beforeactivity at the IK_(R) channel is observed);

[0027] 9. Compounds of the invention, as well as the metabolitesthereof, do not cause metabolic DDI when co-administered with otherdrugs;

[0028] 10. Compounds of the invention, as well as metabolites thereof,do not elevate LFT values when administered alone.

[0029] In some embodiments, the subject invention provides compoundshave any two of the above-identified characteristics or properties.Other embodiments provide for compounds having at least any three of theabove-identified properties or characteristics. In another embodiment,the compounds, and compositions thereof, have any combination of atleast four of the above-identified characteristics or properties.Another embodiment provides compounds have any combination of five to 10of the above-identified characteristics or properties. In a preferredembodiment the compounds of the invention have all ten characteristicsor properties.

[0030] In various embodiments, the primary metabolites of the inventivecompounds, regardless of the electrophysiological properties of theparent drug, has, or have, negligible inhibitory activity at the IK_(R)(HERG) channel at normal therapeutic concentrations of the drug inplasma. In other words, the concentration of the metabolite must be atleast five times higher than the normal therapeutic concentration of theparent compound before activity at the IK_(R) channel is observed.Preferably, the concentration of the metabolite must be at least tentimes higher than the normal therapeutic concentration of the parentcompound before activity at the IK_(R) channel is observed.

[0031] Compounds according to the invention are, primarily, metabolizedby endogenous hydrolytic enzymes via hydrolysable bonds engineered intotheir structures. The primary metabolites resulting from this metabolicpathway are water soluble and do not have, or show a reduced incidenceof, DDI when administered with other medications (drugs). Non-limitingexamples of hydrolysablebonds that can be incorporated into compoundsaccording to the invention include amide, ester, carbonate, phosphate,sulfate, urea, urethane, glycoside, or other bonds that can be cleavedby hydrolases.

[0032] Additional modifications of the compounds disclosed herein canreadily be made by those skilled in the art. Thus, analogs and salts ofthe exemplified compounds are within the scope of the subject invention.With a knowledge of the compounds of the subject invention skilledchemists can use known procedures to synthesize these compounds fromavailable substrates. As used in this application, the term “analogs”refers to compounds which are substantially the same as another compoundbut which may have been modified by, for example, adding additional sidegroups. The term “analogs” as used in this application also may refer tocompounds which are substantially the same as another compound but whichhave atomic or molecular substitutions at certain locations in thecompound.

[0033] The invention also concerns methods for treating pain in apatient by administering a compound of the invention to a person in needof such treatment. Preferably, the compound is administered bytransdermal delivery means. A fentanyl analog of the present inventionhaving a short half-life in blood can be delivered by a transdermalsystem in which the delivery rate closely matches clearance of the drugfrom the bloodstream.

[0034] The compounds of this invention have therapeutic propertiessimilar to those of the unmodified parent compounds. Accordingly, dosagerates and routes of administration of the disclosed compounds aresimilar to those already used in the art and known to the skilledartisan (see, for example, Physicians' Desk Reference,54^(th) Ed.,Medical Economics Company, Montvale, N.J., 2000).

[0035] The compounds of the subject invention can be formulatedaccording to known methods for preparing pharmaceutically usefulcompositions. Formulations are described in detail in a number ofsources which are well known and readily available to those skilled inthe art. For example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Science by E. W. Martindescribes formulations which can be used in connection with the subjectinvention. In general, the compositions of the subject invention areformulated such that an effective amount of the bioactive compound(s) iscombined with a suitable carrier in order to facilitate effectiveadministration of the composition.

[0036] In accordance with the subject invention, pharmaceuticalcompositions are provided which comprise, as an active ingredient, aneffective amount of one or more of the compounds and one or morenon-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents. Examples ofsuch carriers for use in the invention include ethanol, dimethylsulfoxide, glycerol, silica, alumina, starch, and equivalent carriersand diluents.

[0037] Further, acceptable carriers can be either solid or liquid. Solidform preparations include powders, tablets, pills, capsules, cachets,suppositories and dispersible granules. A solid carrier can be one ormore substances which may act as diluents, flavoring agents,solubilizers, lubricants, suspending agents, binders, preservatives,tablet disintegrating agents or encapsulating materials.

[0038] The disclosed pharmaceutical compositions may be subdivided intounit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active component.The unit dosage form can be a packaged preparation, such as packetedtablets, capsules, and powders in paper or plastic containers or invials or ampoules. Also, the unit dosage can be a liquid basedpreparation or formulated to be incorporated into solid food products,chewing gum, or lozenge.

[0039] The compounds of the subject invention can be used to treathumans and other animals. All patents, patent applications, provisionalapplications, and publications referred to or cited herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent they are notinconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.

[0040] It should be understood that the examples and embodimentsdescribed herein are for illustrative purposes only and that variousmodifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to personsskilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purviewof this application.

I claim:
 1. An opioid compound having at least one characteristicselected from the group consisting of a. the compound is metabolizedboth by CYP450 and by a non-oxidative metabolic enzyme or system ofenzymes; b. the compound has a short (up to four (4) hours)non-oxidative metabolic half-life; c. the compound contains ahydrolysable bond that can be cleaved non-oxidatively by hydrolyticenzymes; d. the primary metabolites of the compound result from thenon-oxidative metabolism of the compound; e. the primary metabolites aresoluble in water at physiological pH; f. the primary metabolites havenegligible inhibitory activity at the IK_(R) (HERG) channel at normaltherapeutic concentration of the parent drug in plasma; g. the compound,as well as the metabolites thereof, does not cause metabolic DDI whenco-administered with other drugs; and h. the compound, as well asmetabolites thereof, does not elevate LFT values when administeredalone.
 2. The opioid compound, according to claim 1, wherein saidcompound has the following structure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH₃ and R₃ is alkyl.
 3. Theopioid compound, according to claim 1, wherein said compound has thefollowing structure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH₃ and R₃ is alkyl.
 4. Theopioid compound, according to claim 1, wherein said compound has thefollowing structure:

wherein, R=alkyl; aryl; methoxy; alkyloxy; or aryloxy.
 5. The opioidcompound, according to claim 1, wherein said compound has the followingstructure:


6. The opioid compound, according to claim 1, wherein said compound hasthe following structure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH₃ and R₃ is alkyl.
 7. Theopioid compound, according to claim 1, wherein said compound has thefollowing structure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH₃ and R₃ is alkyl.
 8. Apharmaceutical composition comprising an opioid compound having at leastone characteristic selected from the group consisting of a. the compoundis metabolized both by CYP450 and by a non-oxidative metabolic enzyme orsystem of enzymes; b. the compound has a short (up to four (4) hours)non-oxidative metabolic half-life; c. the compound contains ahydrolysable bond that can be cleaved non-oxidatively by hydrolyticenzymes; d. the primary metabolites of the compound result from thenon-oxidative metabolism of the compound; e. the primary metabolites aresoluble in water at physiological pH; f. the primary metabolites havenegligible inhibitory activity at the IK_(R) (HERG) channel at normaltherapeutic concentration of the parent drug in plasma; g. the compound,as well as the metabolites thereof, does not cause metabolic DDI whenco-administered with other drugs; and h. the compound, as well asmetabolites thereof, does not elevate LFT values when administeredalone; wherein said composition further comprises a pharmaceuticalcarrier.
 9. The composition, according to claim 8, wherein said compoundhas the following structure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH₃ and R₃ is alkyl.
 10. Thecomposition, according to claim 8, wherein said compound has thefollowing structure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH₃ and R₃ is alkyl.
 11. Thecomposition, according to claim 8, wherein said compound has thefollowing structure:

wherein, R=alkyl; aryl; methoxy; alkyloxy; or aryloxy.
 12. Thecomposition, according to claim 8, wherein said compound has thefollowing structure:


13. The composition, according to claim 8, wherein said compound has thefollowing structure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH₃ and R₃ is alkyl.
 14. Thecomposition, according to claim 1, wherein said compound has thefollowing structure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH₃ and R₃ is alkyl.
 15. Amethod for treating pain wherein said method comprises administering toa patient in need of such treatment an opioid compound having at leastone characteristic selected from the group consisting of: a. thecompound is metabolized both by CYP450 and by a non-oxidative metabolicenzyme or system of enzymes; b. the compound has a short (up to four (4)hours) non-oxidative metabolic half-life; c. the compound contains ahydrolysable bond that can be cleaved non-oxidatively by hydrolyticenzymes; d. the primary metabolites of the compound result from thenon-oxidative metabolism of the compound; e. the primary metabolites aresoluble in water at physiological pH; f. the primary metabolites havenegligible inhibitory activity at the IK_(R) (HERG) channel at normaltherapeutic concentration of the parent drug in plasma; g. the compound,as well as the metabolites thereof, does not cause metabolic DDI whenco-administered with other drugs; and h. the compound, as well asmetabolites thereof, does not elevate LFT values when administeredalone.
 16. The method, according to claim 15, wherein said compound hasthe following structure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH₃ and R₃ is alkyl.
 17. Themethod, according to claim 15, wherein said compound has the followingstructure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH3 and R₃ is alkyl.
 18. Themethod, according to claim 15, wherein said compound has the followingstructure:

wherein, R=alkyl; aryl; methoxy; alkyloxy; or aryloxy.
 19. The method,according to claim 15, wherein said compound has the followingstructure:


20. The method, according to claim 15, wherein said compound has thefollowing structure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH₃ and R₃ is alkyl.
 21. Themethod, according to claim 15 wherein said compound has the followingstructure:

wherein, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H or CH₃ and R₃ is alkyl.
 22. Themethod, according to claim 15, wherein said patient is a human.